Introduction to EIA in India and Its Evolution

Environment Impact Assessment

1. A Introduction to EIA and
Its Evolution
By: Paresh Chavda, Unit Head & DEE, GEMI
Organised By:
A Training Program on “Navigating Environmental Impact Assessment and Clearance Processes”
5-6December, 2023at GIDM, Gandhinagar.

2. Understanding EIA: A Journey of
Environmental Protection and
Sustainable Development
Unveiling the Concept, Evolution, and Significance

3. What is EIA?
Definition:A systematic process of identifying, predicting, and evaluating the potential
environmental effects of proposed projects and activities.
Objectives:
oMinimize negative impacts on the environment.
oOptimize project design and implementation for sustainability.
oInform decision-making for environmentally sound development.
EIA: Unveiling the Environmental Footprint

4. Basic Components of EIA?
oScoping: Defining the project's environmental impact zone and key areas
of concern.
oBaseline studies: Assessing the existing environmental conditions before
project initiation.
oImpact assessment: Identifying and evaluating potential positive and
negative impacts.
oMitigation measures: Designing strategies to avoid, reduce, or
compensate for negative impacts.
oPublic consultation: Engaging stakeholders and incorporating their
feedback.
oEnvironmental management plan: Outlining a roadmap for mitigation,
monitoring, and reporting.

5. Importance of EIA
•Promotes sustainable development: Balances economic progress with
environmental protection.
•Minimizes environmental damage: Identifies potential risks and allows for
proactive mitigation.
•Informs informed decision-making: Provides comprehensive
environmental data for project approval and modification.
•Enhances public trust and transparency: Involves stakeholders and
addresses their concerns.
•Complies with legal requirements: Many countries have mandatory EIA
regulations for specific projects.

6. Evolution of Environmental Regulations in India
A Timeline of Environmental Awakening:
Pre-independence era: Traditional conservation practices and limited regulations.
Post-Independence: Highlight the environmental concerns arising from growing industrialization.
1970s: Emergence of environmental awareness, leading to:
✓1972:The Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment sparks global action.
✓1976-77: Planning Commission directs assessment of river valley projects' environmental impact.
✓1980-86: Formation of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and enactment of key legislations
like:
▪The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
▪The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
▪The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA): A landmark legislation establishing EIA as a mandatory
tool for specific projects.
1990s onwards: Refining the EIA process.

7. ✓1994:EIA Notification specifying project categories requiring EIA.
✓2006:EIA Amendment: Streamlining procedures, introducing public hearings,
and expanding project categories.
✓2020: EIA Draft Notification. EIA Notification amended - streamlining the
process for some projects, stricter norms for others.
✓Present:Continuous improvement and adaptation of EIA regulations to address
emerging environmental challenges.
Evolution of EIA in India

8. EIA - A Guardian of Environmental Protection
Role of EIA:
oPrevents environmental degradation:Identifies and mitigates potential negative impacts
before project implementation.
oPromotes sustainable development:Ensures projects are designed and implemented with
environmental considerations.
oInforms decision-making:Provides data and analysis for informed choices about project
approval, modification, or rejection.
oEmpowers communities:Facilitates public participation and addresses local environmental
concerns.
oEnhances transparency and accountability:Holds project proponents responsible for
environmental performance.
Safeguarding our Planet, One Project at a Time

9. EIA -A Compass for Sustainable Development
EIA contributes to sustainable development by:
oBalancing economic growth with environmental protection: Enables projects to contribute to
economic prosperity without compromising ecological integrity.
oPromoting resource conservation: Encourages efficient use of natural resources and reduces
environmental footprint.
oProtecting biodiversity and ecosystems: Identifies and minimizes impacts on sensitive habitats
and endangered species.
oAddressing climate change: Assesses and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, promoting
climate-resilient projects.
oEnhancing public health and well-being: Ensures projects minimize pollution and health risks,
creating healthy living environments.
Charting a Course for a Green Future

10. •Identifying and mitigating environmental impacts:EIA helps avoid or minimize
negative impacts on air, water, land, biodiversity, and human health.
•Promoting resource efficiency and cleaner technologies:EIA encourages the
adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives and minimizes resource
consumption.
•Ensuring social equity and community well-being:EIA considers the project's
impact on local communities and facilitates their participation in decision-making.
•Contributing to informed land-use planning:EIA helps locate projects in less
sensitive areas and promotes sustainable urban development.
•Supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation:EIA assesses projects'
vulnerability to climate change and recommends measures for resilience and
emissions reduction.
EIA as a Tool for Environmental Protection and Sustainable
Development

11. EIA is not just a regulatory requirement, but a transformative tool:
•Empowers us to foresee and address environmental consequences.
•Shapes projects to align with sustainable development goals.
•Fosters a culture of environmental responsibility.
Moving forward:
•Continuous improvement of EIA methodologies and regulations.
•Capacity building for effective implementation.
•Strengthening public engagement and awareness.
Conclusion
EIA: A Catalyst for Change, a Promise for the Future

12. “Saving the Environmentis the main objective of EIA”

13. Any questions?
Together, let's leverage the power of EIA to build a greener, more sustainable future for all.

14. Thanks!
GUJARAT ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE (GEMI)
(An Autonomous Institute of Government of Gujarat)
"GEMI Bhavan", Plot No. B: 246-247, Electronic Estate,
GIDC, Sector 25, Gandhinagar - 382024 (Gujarat),
Website:www.gemi.gujarat.gov.in
E-mail:[email protected]
Tel. [phone]